Support for a container



March 19, 1963 D. LOCHNER SUPPORT FOR A CONTAINER Filed May 27 1960 IN V EN TOR.

7/ David L oc/z ncr ATTORNEY 3,081,464- SUPPORT FOR A CONTAINER David Lochner, 4026 Goldwater Road, Fort Wayne, Ind. Filed May 27, 1960, Ser. No. 32,350 Claims. (Cl. 5-92) The subject invention relates generally to supports and more particularly is directed to a device or assembly adapted to be mounted on a hospital bed for supporting a container for liquid.

The invention may be utilized wherever applicable, but is preferably designed and constructed for usein supporting a container on the side rail of a frame of a hospital bed for collecting liquid from a patient resting on the bed. The conventional setup for this purpose cornprises placing a glass container on a floor under the bed and using a tube or catheter to communicatively connect the patient with the container. Such an arrangement has not proven entirely satisfactory because the container is ofttimes accidentally kicked and broken, which not only ven-tional setup.

More particularly, an important object of the invention is to provide a device which, among other things, comprises an elongate member having unique clamping means at its upper extremity for detachable connection with the side rail of the bed or other mounting and carriage means at its lower extremity for carrying or supporting a container.

A significant object of the inventiton is to design and construct the clamping means so that the device can be readily adjusted to firmly secure the device in place against accidental displacement.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device in which the carriage means is preferably in the form of. abasket or receptacle and improved means are pro- United States Patent 0 .is threadedly connected to the bridge portion 16 for en- .gaging the flattened side 6 of the shaft to cause theleg vided for attaching or connecting the basket to the elon- .gate member in a manner whereby the basket may be rotatably and/or longitudinally adjusted on the member so that a container of any desired size orheight can be placed in the basket and then rotated to a position of substantial concealment under the bed. In other Words, some containers are of appreciable height, in which event, it is necessary to adjust the assembly or device to lower the basket so that the basket and container can be swung freely under the mattress of the bed without engaging its side.

A specific object of the invention is to provide an assembly or device in which resilient means is employed to assist in the clamping operation.

Additional objects of the invention reside in providing a device which offers advantages with respect to costs of manufacture, efiiciency, attachment, durability and cleanliness. Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent after the description hereinafter set forth 'is considered in conjunction with the drawings annexed hereto.

In thedrawings: FIGURE 1 is an elevational view illustrating one embodiment of the device operatively associated with ,a hospital bed of which portions of the latter are in section;

FIGURE 2 is a top'view of the device; FIGURE 3 is i a transverse section showing certain structural details of the clamping means;

\ FIGURE 4 is a modified embodiment of the invention; and i .between. .disposed transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis insure a good clamping action.

7 3,081,464 Patented Mar. 19, 1963 "Ice FIGURE 5 is a modified form ofa clamping means which can be used with the above structure.

Referring first to the embodiment of the invention exexemplified in FIGURES l, 2 and 3, numeral 1 represents a mattress mounted on a hospital bed frame having a side rail 2 and numeral 3 generally designates the device attached to the rail and suporting a container 4 disposed under the mattress.

The device or assembly 3 includes an elongate shaft or member Spreferably in the form of a cylindrical steel rod having an upper extremity provided with a flattened or planar side 6 and a reduced threaded portion 7 and the lower extremity with a groove 8 in which a C-shaped spring 9 is detachably secured to constitute an abutment.

A clamping means is provided at the upper extremity of the shaft member and preferably includes a triangular plate 10 which is detachably secured to the shaft by, a nut 11 engaging the threaded portion 7 of the shaft, the latter of which extends through an aperture provided therefor in one corner of the plate. The plate constitutes an abutment means or jaw which is held against longitudinal displacement but may be rotated and locked to facilitate placement of the plate in overlapping engagement with an upper horizontal portion 12 of the rail 2 as depicted in FIGURE 1.

The clamping means also includes a generally U-shaped element, clamp or jaw, generally designated 13. This element comprises a pair of legs 14 and 15 joined together by a bridge 16 and an offset 17 constituting a :continuation of the leg 14. The legs 14 and 15 are respectively provided with aligned oblong apertures, as

shown in FIGURE 3, to receive the upper extremity of the shaft and afford relative longitudinal movement there- It will be noted that the legs 14 and 15 are of the shaft and that the bridge 16 and offset 17 are disposed parallel to such axis, with the offset extending upwardly in spaced relation to the shaft for receivingtherebetween a depending portion '18 of the side rail 2.

A fastener, preferably in the form of a'thumb screw 19,

14 to engage the lower edged the depending portion 18 ment between the shaft and element. The oblong apert-ures provided in the legs 14 and 15 are of a size to afford sufficient radial movement or clearance to permit clamping of the depending portion 18 between the shaft and upturned offset portion .17 of the element. a In other words, the distance between the face of the oifsetport-ion 17 engaging the depending rail portion 18 and the inner ends of the oblong apertures is preferably somewhat less than the thickness of the depending portion so as -to The arrangement is unique due to the dual clamping effect and ease of slidably adjusting the element on the shaft to accommodate therail between the plate 10 and element or releasing the device from the rail. The element -13, as alluded to above, is a clamp constituting a jaw disposed in opposed relation tothe plate or jaw 10.

' i A fitting Ior clamp, generally designated 59, is slidably mounted on the lower extremity of the shaft 5-in axially 4 above referred to. More specifically in this regard, the fitting includes a pair of horizontally disposed legs 21 and'22jo'ined together by a bridge portion 23 and an offset depending portion 24 constituting a continuation of the leg 22. It will be noted that the leg 22 is located below and longer than the leg 21. The legs 21 and 22 are respectively provided with aligned apertures through which the shaft extends and a thumb screw 25 is threadedly connected to the bridge portion of the fitting for engaging the shaft to secure the fitting and carriage connected thereto at any desired elevation. The arrangement is such that the fitting and carriage as a unit can be rotated about the longitudinal axis of the shaft after the thumb screw is once tightened to hold the unit at the level selected. If found desirable, the shaft may be provided with a plurality of axially spaced abutments preferably in the form of annular grooves which may be selectively engaged by the inner end of the screw for holding the unit at the desired elevation or level for rotation. This adjustment of the fitting is desirable, because as stated above, it affords a setup whereby containers of different sizes or heights may be mounted in the basket. For example, if a container having a height appreciably greater than the one shown is to be used, then the unit would be lowered in order that the container could be rotated or swung under the matress without engaging its side to prevent such movement.

Resilient means 26, preferably in the form of a helical spring, surrounds the shaft between the element 13 and an abutment 60, the latter of which corresponds to the abutment 9 and is secured to the shaft in the same manner. This spring serves to urge the element 13 towards the plate 10. Then, when the thumb screw 19 on the element 13 is loosened, preparatory to attaching the device to the rail, the element can be retracted to accommodate the rail and then released in order that the spring will automatically cause the element to move upwardly into clamping relation with the rail, after which the screw can be tightened to positively lock the device in place. The C-shaped spring or abutment 9, above re ferred to, serves as a stop to positively prevent accidental release of the fitting from the shaft in the event the thumb screw should become loosened and the abutment 60 is so located that the spring 26 serves its intended purpose while allowing considerable longitudinal adjustment of the fitting 59 relative to the shaft.

The carriage or basket 20 for the container may be designed and constructed in various ways but as exemplified, includes an annular ring or band 27 having ends which are secured in overlapping relation to the depending portion 24 of the fitting 59 by fastening means, preferably in the form of a pair of rivets 28 so that the ring is located in a horizontal plane. The carriage also includes a general-1y U-shaped member having a bottom portion 29 constituting a seat for the container and also side portions 30 having their upper ends secured against the inner surface of the ring at diametrically spaced locations by two pairs of rivets 31. The carriage is thus made sufliciently firm and strong and its connection with the fitting stable so as to properly support or carry the container and the weight of its contents.

The container is shown as being provided with a stopper or cap 32 and a tube or catheter 33 is attached to the cap and extends upwardly alongside and over the bed or mattress for communicative connection with the patient. When the container is rotated to a position under the bed it is substantially concealed from view and free from damage as accidental spillage, and when a covering, such as a sheet 34 is normally in place, a visitor, for example, will not know of the existence of the drainage system. This factor of concealment is ofttimes very important to some patients who wil not accept vistors when such system is open to view.

The modified embodiment of the invention exemplified in FIGURE 4 includes an elongate cylindrical shaft or member 35 provided with a clamping means generally designated 36 carried by the upper extremity of the shaft and a fitting generally designated 37 mounted on the lower extremity of the shaft.

The clamping means 36 preferably includes a plate 38 detachably secured to a reduced threaded portion of,

the shaft by a nut 39. This plate constitutes a jaw of the clamping means and is adapted to bear against the horizontal portion 40 of a side rail. The plate is preferably provided with a downturned angular portion 38a which is adapted to abut the inner edge of the horizontal portion 40 in order to assist in holding the device in a stabilized position. The clamping means 36 also includes a generally U-shaped element or jaw comprising a pair of horizontal legs 41 and 42 joined together by a. bridge portion 43. The legs are respectively provided with aligned apertures which slidably receive the shaft. The leg 41 which is above the leg 42 is provided with an upturned offset portion 44 which is angled so that the lower edge portion of 21 depending portion of the rail can be wedged in between the shaft and angled portion through the agency of a resilient means preferably in the form of a helical spring 45 surrounding the shaft with its upper end bearing against the lower leg 42 of the element and its lower end bearing on an abutment 61 like the abutments 9 and 60. It will be noted that the shape of the U-shaped element just described is similar to that of the element 13 above referred to. The element carries a set screw 62 which when loosened will permit one to readily retract the element to accommodate the rail between this element and the plate 38 and then released so that the spring 45 automatically assists in holding the element in relation to the rail, after which the screw can be tightened to lock the element in place.

The shape of the fitting of the clamping means 37 is also similar to that of the fitting of the clamping means 59 and includes a pair of horizontal legs 46 and 47 joined together by a bridge 48, which legs are respectively provided with aligned apertures which slidably receive the shaft. The lower end of the spring bears on the leg 46 to force the leg 47 against an abutment preferably in the form of a collar 49 fixed on the lower end of the shaft by a pin 50. The collar prevents accidental release of the clamping means 37 from the shaft and offers a stable support for the clamping means when resting thereon. A set screw 63 may be utilized to firmly secure the clamping means in any desired rotative position. The leg 47 is of a greater length than the leg 46 and is provided with a depending portion 51. A carriage, preferably in the form of a basket 52, partially shown, is attached to the depending portion 51 and extends therefrom in the same manner that the carriage 20 above referred to extends from the depending portion 24 of the clamping means 59.

A clamping means generally designated 64, illustrated in FIGURE 5, is adapted for use with either of the structures above described, but is preferably used with the shaft 5. More particularly, this clamping means comprises an element 65 and a thumb screw 66. The element includes a base wall 67 and a pair of legs 68 and 69, the latter being provided with an upturned continuation 70 for engaging a bed rail. Each of the legs is provided with an aperture 71 defined by a rounded marginal edge, portion and a straight marginal edge portion. The straight marginal edge portion is adapted to engage the fiat side portion 6 of the shaft 5 to prevent relative rotational movement between the clamping means and the shaft. If desired, the legs of the clamping means 13 may be provided with apertures corresponding to the apertures 71.

The thumb screw preferably includes a threaded member and a manualy engageable notched planar plate 72 which is permanently anchored to the member. This plate has the advantage that the overall length of the screw is reduced so there is less likelihood of the screw catching on the bed covers or the clothes of an attendant. The threaded member is also provided with an unthreaded end or abutment 73 and this serves to lock the thumb screw to the element and thereby prevents an operator from releasing the screw. The thumb screw is assembled with the element by threading the member through the base wall 67 and then permanently securing the plate to the member. The thumb screw shown in FIGURE 5 .may obviously be substituted for the screws 25, 62 and .63 above referred to.

In view of the foregoing, it will be manifest that either of the devices above described can be readily and firmly detachably connected to a bed frame in a manner whereby the carriage can be readily rotated to a position at one side of the bed to permit placement of a container in the basket or to a position of substantial concealment under the bed and off a floor.

Having thus described my invention, it is obvious that various modifications may be made in the same without departing from the spirit of the invention, and, therefore, I do not wish to be understood as limiting myself to the exact forms, constructions, arrangements, and combinations of parts herein shown and described.

I claim:

1. A device of the kind described comprising an elongate shaft, an abutment provided on the upper endof the shaft and having a portion projecting laterally in a plane substantially at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the shaft, a clamp having an upper and a lower leg joined together by a connecting portion, said upper leg being provided with an upturned continuation, said legs being provided with a pair of aligned openings through which the shaft slidably extends to locate said legs substantially at right angles to said axis and said connecting portion substantially in spaced parallel relation to said shaft, means on said shaft and means on said clamp cooperating with one another whereby to prevent relative rotation between said clamp and shaft to locate said upturned continuation below said projecting portion, a locking element threaded- 1y connected to said connecting portion for engaging and disengaging said shaft to facilitate adjustment and securement of the clamp thereto so that a component may be received and held between said shaft and upturned continuation and projecting portion, and a fitting connected to said shaft below said clamp for supporting a component.

2. A device of the kind comprising an elongate shaft provided with cooperating means extending a predetermined distance along one side thereof, a plate secured to the upper end of the shaft and having a portion projecting laterally in a plane substantially at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the shaft, a clamp having an upper and a lower leg joined together by a connecting portion, said upper leg being provided with an upturned continuation, said legs being provided with a pair of aligned openings through which the shaft slidably extends to locate said legs substantially at right angles to said axis and said connecting portion substantially in spaced parallel relation to said shaft, at least one of said openings being shaped to slidably engage said cooperating means whereby to prevent relative rotation between said clamp and said shaft to locate said upturned continuation below said projecting portion, a locking elementthreadedly connected to said conneiting portion for engaging and disengaging said shaft to facilitate adjustment and securement of the clamp thereto so that a component may be received and. held between said shaft and upturned continuation and projecting portion, and a fitting connected to said shaft below said clamp for supporting a component.

3. A device of the kind described comprising an elongate shaft, an abutment secured to the upper end of the shaft and having a portion projecting laterally in a plane substantially at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the shaft, a clamp having an upper and a lower'leg joined together by a connecting portion, said upper leg being provided with an upturned continuation, said legs being provided with a pair of aligned openings through which the shaft slidably extends to locate said legs substantially at right angles to said axis and said connecting portion substantially in spaced parallel relation to said shaft, means on said shaft and means on said clamp cooperating with one another whereby to prevent relative rotation between said clamp and said shaft to locate said upturned continuation below said projecting portion, a locking-element threadedly connected to said connecting portion for engaging and disengaging said shaft to facilitate adjustmet and securement of the clamp thereto so that a component may be received and held between said shaft arid upturned continuation and projecting portion, a fitting connected to said shaft below said clamp for supporting a component, an elongate helical spring surrounding said shaft, one end of said spring being held against downward movement on said shaft, and the other end of said spring serving to resiliently support said clamp when said element is out of locking engagement with said shaft.

4. A device of the kind described comprising an elongate shaft, an abutment secured to the upper end of the shaft and having a portion projecting laterally in a plane substantially at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the shaft, a clamp means having an upper and a lower leg joined together by a connecting portion, said upper leg being provided with an upturned continuation, said legs being provided with a pair of aligned openings through which the shaft slidably extends to locate said legs substantially at right angles to said axis and said connecting portion substantially in spaced parallel relation to said shaft, means provided on said shaft and means provided on said clamp means cooperating with one another in a manner whereby to provide relative rotation between said shaft and said clamp means, a locking element threadedly connected to said connecting portion for engaging and disengaging said shaft to facilitate adjustment and securement of the clamp means thereto so that a component may be received and held between said shaft and upturned continuation and projecting portion, a titting having an upper leg and a lower leg joined together by a bridge portion, said lower leg of said fitting being provided with a lateral continuation, a holder carried by said lateral continuation, said legs of said fitting being provided with aligned openings slidably and rotatably receiving said shaft, and a locking member carried by said bridge portion for engaging and disengaging said shaft to facilitate adjustment and securement of said fitting thereon in any desired position.

5. A device of the kind described comprising an elongate shaft provided with cooperating means extending along one side thereof, a plate secured to the upper end of the shaft and having a portion projecting laterally in a plane substantially at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the shaft, a clamp having a pair of legs joined together by a connecting portion, said legs being provided with a pair of aligned openings through which the shaft slidably extends to locate said legs substantially at right angles to said axis and said connecting portion substantially in spaced parallel relation to said shaft, at least one of said legs being'provided with an upturned continuation and at least one of said openings being shaped to slidably engage said cooperating means whereby to prevent relative rotation between said clamp and said shaft to locate said upturned continuation below said projecting portion, alocking element threadedly connected to said connecting portion for engaging and disengaging said shaft to facilitate adjustment and securement of the clamp thereto so that a component may be received and held between said shaft and upturned continuation and projecting portion, a fitting for supporting a component, means connecting said fitting to said shaft for slidable and rotary movement thereon below said clamp, and a helical spring surrounding said shaft and interposed between 7 said clamp and fitting for urging the clamp upwardly 1,703,069 when said locking element is in a non-locking condition. 2,464,672

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 5 2332: 1,124,020 Hendrick Jan. s, 1915 6631403 1,273,600 Floyd July 23, 1918 8 Strupe L. Feb. 19, 1929 Clapp Mar. 15, 1949 FOREIGN PATENTS Great Britain Sept. 16, 1941 Canada Jan. 25, 1949 Great Britain Dec. 19, 1951 

1. A DEVICE OF THE KIND DESCRIBED COMPRISING AN ELONGATE SHAFT, AN ABUTMENT PROVIDED ON THE UPPER END OF THE SHAFT AND HAVING A PORTION PROJECTING LATERALLY IN A PLANE SUBSTANTIALLY AT RIGHT ANGLES TO THE LONGITUDINAL AXIS OF THE SHAFT, A CLAMP HAVING AN UPPER AND A LOWER LEG JOINED TOGETHER BY A CONNECTING PORTION, SAID UPPER LEG BEING PROVIDED WITH AN UPTURNED CONTINUATION, SAID LEG BEING PROVIDED WITH A PAIR OF ALIGNED OPENINGS THROUGH WHICH THE SHAFT SLIDABLY EXTENDS TO LOCATE SAID LEGS SUBSTANTIALLY AT RIGHT ANGLES TO SAID AXIS AND SAID CONNECTING PORTION SUBSTANTIALLY IN SPACED PARALLEL RELATION TO SAID SHAFT, MEANS ON SAID SHAFT AND MEANS ON SAID CLAMP COOPERATING WITH ONE ANOTHER WHEREBY TO PREVENT RELATIVE ROTATION BETWEEN SAID CLAMP AND SHAFT TO LOCATE SAID UPTURNED CONTINUATION 